Reprocessing surgical instruments, in particular endoscopes

Abstract

A method for reprocessing a surgical instrument in a reprocessing apparatus, where the surgical instrument has at least one channel to be cleaned. The method including: connecting the surgical instrument to a compressed air hose for supplying compressed air to the at least one channel; supplying drying air to the compressed air hose to leak test the surgical instrument using the drying air, the drying air having less moisture content than the compressed air; and subsequent to the supplying of the drying air, reprocessing the surgical instrument using at least one cleaning liquid.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The present application is a continuation of PCT / EP2017 / 070660 filed on Aug. 15, 2017, which is based upon and claims the benefit to DE 10 2016 216 403.1 filed on Aug. 31, 2016, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUNDField[0002]The present disclosure relates to a method for reprocessing a surgical instrument, in particular an endoscope, such as, a flexible endoscope in a reprocessing apparatus.[0003]Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a use of a drying apparatus of a reprocessing apparatus for surgical instruments, such as, endoscopes.Prior Art[0004]To reprocess surgical instruments, such as flexible endoscopes, normally cleaning and disinfecting devices (RDG-E) are used that are based on a chemical-thermal reprocessing procedure. In order for the endoscope to not be damaged by the cleaning liquid, it is important for the sleeve of the endoscope to be completely intact so that cleanin...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent aims to improve the leak test in a reprocessing apparatus by automating the process and identifying leaks before reprocessing surgical instruments. The method also increases operational safety by allowing for a higher pressure differential.

Problems solved by technology

When using the endoscopes in endoscopy, damage occasionally occurs in which endoscopes are punctured by biopsy channels.

A microperforation arises that in certain circumstances is indiscernible in a performed leak test.

Water can thus penetrate the tubing by way of the ventilation and ultimately enter the leak tester and, in the worst case, destroy it.

Due to the interface that for example flexible endoscopes have for checking the leak of the endoscope sleeve and ventilating the endoscope, there is the risk of water penetrating the intact endoscope sleeve from improper handling by a user.

Moreover, leaks can arise in the endoscope channels that are not discerned at the low test pressure in the context of the leak test (about 300 mbar); however, at the higher rinsing pressures (about 1300 mbar), they allow water to penetrate into the endoscope sleeve, whereby the excess pressure in the endoscope sleeve (approximately 150 mbar) also cannot be prevented.

This can cause the endoscope to be damaged.

To the extent that there is water in a leaky endoscope, this can cause the penetrated water to be able to enter into the cleaning and disinfecting device (RDG-E) during ventilation, which also damages it.

If the pressure within the endoscope decreases by more than a predetermined amount, typically between 10 mbar to 15 mbar, the endoscope is considered leaky, and subsequent reprocessing is therefore not performed.

Moreover, in current leak test methods, an imprecision exists of reliably identifying certain types of leaks, especially direction-dependent leaks.

Images